New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised the scientists and those passionate about technology on National Technology Day (May 11).

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said,“On National Technology Day, we salute the hardwork and tenacity of our scientists and those passionate about technology. We remember with pride the 1998 Pokhran Tests, which demonstrated India’s scientific and technological prowess.”

“In any challenging situation, our scientists and innovators have always risen to the occasion and worked to mitigate the challenge. Over the last year, they have worked industriously to fight COVID-19. I appreciate their spirit and remarkable zeal,” he further said in another tweet.

National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11 to highlight the achievements of engineers and scientists in the field of Technology and Science. The day acts as a reminder of the country’s technological advancements. 

It was first observed on May 11, 1999, and aims to commemorate the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists and engineers.

Former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee coined this term to celebrate the contributions made by Indian scientists. May 11 is also the day when India conducted its second successful nuclear test in Pokhran.

On May 11, 1998, India successfully fired the Shakti-I nuclear missile at an Army test range in Rajasthan’s Pokhran. Two days later, the country conducted two more nuclear tests as a part of the same operation, following which India joined the elite club of nuclear power nations.